Caroline Childers, FNP-C

While I was equipped with many skills to provide basic critical patient care as a nurse, there was a cap to the level of care I could provide. As a Nurse Practitioner, there is more autonomy to practice and make more of an impact in patient care through diagnosing, prescribing medications, counseling and administering treatments. Being a Family Nurse Practitioner has given me more of a diverse range in patient populations across the lifespan allowing me to teach healthy habits. My philosophy of care is to acknowledge each person’s individuality while providing unconditionally compassionate care, educating patients and families, and promoting a healthcare environment that is therapeutic and respectful. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, concerts, spending time with family and friends, church, traveling, and school.

Although a nurse at heart, I knew my soul ached to serve patients in a deeper way by being an advanced practice provider. Supporting patients in an expanded way was my motivation to care for other as a provider, such as by advocating for their health, providing evidenced-based interventions to them and walking with them towards a holistically healthier lifestyle. When I am in a patient’s room, I like to focus on them and nothing else. It is important to me to treat every patient like they are my family member and to make sure they feel important and heard. For each visit, I make a point to sit down, ask questions, and review my patient’s situation in detail with them while working to determine a plan of care that will work for them. It is important for me to explain care in a way that patients understand and to provide information that will help support them in their journey to health as well. Every person in our community plays an important part, and I am grateful to serve our community members in the role as a primary care provider. When I am not at work, I enjoy traveling, hiking, trying new restaurants, watching baseball and serving the community with my local church.

I chose to become an advanced practice provider because I enjoy getting to know patients and their families. My approach to care includes giving recommendations and coming up with a plan with the patient. My areas of interest include pediatrics, diabetes management and helping patients meet their goals whether it is blood pressure or weight loss. Outside of work, I enjoy deep sea fishing and gardening.